The North Shore Nordic Association, a 501C3 tax exempt non-profit charitable organization formed by local residents with the goal of acquiring and operating ski grooming equipment on some of our local trails. The NSNA will work with local land stewards to groom a classical and skate ski lane on several existing trails including Patton Park, portions of the Discover Hamilton Trail, Appleton Farms and Grassrides, Bradley Palmer State Park and hopefully Sagamore Hill.

The NSNA is seeking funding from multiple sources to acquire an 84” Groomer and a special utility snowmobile to tow the groomer. Additionally we seek to acquire a trailer, operating insurance, fuel, signage, trail maps and signs. Please consider making a donation in any amount on our website www.nsnordic.org. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. WE need to raise a total of approximately $25,000 to get the operation up and running for the winter of 2015-2016. Subsequent years will only require funds to operate and maintain our equipment and pay for fuel and insurance. The NSNA will be an entirely volunteer run operation and we are seeking anyone interested in helping out in any way.

Once we are operational all ski trail use will be free of charge and supported by donations. NSNA will issue donor cards, as a token of appreciation to those making a donation of at least $100.

NSNA is also seeking to partner with corporate sponsors to fund a portion of our capital campaign.

Trail & Grooming Updates

Last night we groomed the west side of Appleton Farms, the Plains Field, Lamson Field, and the adjacent Grassrides Fields. Because of the shallow frozen granular snow, our primary goal was to break up the frozen ruts and leave groomed corduroy. It is wide, firm, and should be fast for skating!

We left existing classic tracks, which are likely glazed this morning. Note that the access road and trail into the fields has a few small rough and bare spots to avoid. These areas are icy and hard, please be careful. Once in the fields, cover is good.

The Grassrides Woods had too many bare spots and thin cover to groom effectively. The rough frozen cover is not conducive to classic skiing.

We did clear trees from Pingree Woodland yesterday, but have not groomed the trail. There is also a large area of standing water at the Pingree trail entrance.

This week’s grooming has consumed a lot of gas for the snowmobile, required some repairs to our chain saw and grooming gear. To help support North Shore Nordic’s volunteer grooming efforts, please make a donation. Thank you!